Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Monday met with visiting Pakistani Chief of Air Staff Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt to discuss bilateral military ties.

Liang, also a state councilor, said as two neighboring states, China and Pakistan enjoyed a sound and stably developing cooperative partnership.

He added that the two nations had carried out in-depth cooperation in various fields, benefiting the two peoples. Their coordination in international and regional issues effectively helped defend common interests of both sides.

The defense minister said the two countries' armed forces maintained close relations, which was a strong support for bilateral ties.

The armed forces had solid friendship, regular high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation, Liang said, adding that he hoped both sides to cherish the momentum, continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen pragmatic cooperation between the two armed forces, especially their air forces.

Butt said Pakistan attached great importance to the Pakistan-China friendship and appreciated China's long-standing assistance.

The chief of air staff also expressed satisfaction with achievements in the defense industry, military training and personnel exchanges and hoped that the two air forces would further deepen cooperation.